Grease Guns

Best Grease Guns in the UK: Ultimate Buyer's Guide, Top Stores & Practical Tips

Why choosing the right grease gun matters

If you work on cars, farm kit, or workshop machines, a grease gun is one of those everyday tools that quietly saves the day. Think of it like a toothbrush for your machinery — a quick, precise clean keeps parts sliding smoothly and stops wear in its tracks. Pick the wrong type and you’ll spend more time wrestling with fittings than getting the job done. Pick the right one and maintenance becomes fast, clean, and almost enjoyable.

What to consider before you buy

Before you rush to buy, ask yourself a few quick questions: do you need portability, raw pressure, or speed? Will you be greasing tight-access joints or heavy machinery? How often will you use it? Your answers will tell you whether a compact pistol grip, a heavy-duty lever gun, or a battery-powered model makes the most sense. Also think about hose length in inches, cartridge capacity in ounces, and whether you want a suction/load option for bulk grease.

Types of grease guns and when to use them

Lever-action grease guns

Lever guns are the workhorses: they deliver high pressure, often needed for stubborn grease points. They’re ideal for farm equipment and larger vehicles. Expect lever guns to handle standard 14 oz cartridges or bulk-feed, and to produce strong, controlled strokes — great when you need power rather than speed.

Pistol-grip grease guns

Pistol-grip models are compact and easy to use with one hand, perfect for quick shop jobs and small DIY tasks. They’re less bulky than lever guns and often lighter, which matters if you’re climbing around an engine bay. Many take a standard 14 oz cartridge and come with a short hose or rigid extension for accuracy.

Hand-pump (syringe-style) grease guns

These are the simplest and cheapest options. Hand pump guns are great for occasional maintenance and tight budgets. They don’t deliver as much pressure as lever or battery models, but they’re reliable for grease points that don’t need big force. The small size makes them handy to stash in a toolbox.

Battery-powered grease guns

If speed and convenience are your priorities, battery guns are hard to beat. They make quick work of multiple grease points and cut down fatigue on long jobs. Look for models with around 14 oz cartridge capacity, a rechargeable battery, and variable speed control. They’re especially useful in fleet maintenance or where productivity matters.

Key features to look for

Focus on pressure rating, cartridge capacity in ounces, hose length in inches, and build quality. Anti-drip couplers keep mess at bay, while a flexible hose helps reach awkward angles. If you’ll use cartridges and bulk grease, check whether the gun supports both loading methods. And don’t forget ergonomics — a comfortable handle and balanced weight make long jobs far more tolerable.

Top UK stores to buy grease guns — where to shop and why

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers. They stock a wide range of grease guns — from budget pistol models to professional lever and battery guns. You’ll often find brands like Draper, Sealey, and Clarke. Screwfix stands out for fast delivery options and trade-friendly stock levels, making it easy to get a replacement in a hurry.

Toolstation

Toolstation keeps a solid line-up of grease guns aimed at both trades and hobby users. Their selection tends to include compact pistol guns and robust lever-action models in stock at competitive prices. If you’re balancing cost with quality, Toolstation is worth checking for seasonal offers and bundle deals.

Halfords

Halfords is ideal if your maintenance leans toward automotive and cycling use. They carry grease guns suited to car maintenance and garage tasks, and you’ll find handy accessory kits too — hoses, couplers, and cartridges in ounces that match the gun. Halfords can be particularly useful for quick swaps and consumer-level tools.

RS Components

RS Components is popular with professionals who need industrial-grade tools. Expect premium brands and high-spec grease guns with heavier pressure ratings and longer flexible hoses in inches. RS is a smart choice when you need reliability, parts compatibility, and professional-grade performance.

Amazon UK

Amazon offers the widest variety, from budget imports to name-brand battery guns. The advantage here is range — if you want a specialised hose length or a particular accessory, Amazon likely has it. Read reviews carefully for quality, and keep an eye on delivery times. Cartridge capacities and specs are usually listed in ounces in product descriptions.

Euro Car Parts

If you work on cars often, Euro Car Parts has grease guns and lubrication equipment that match automotive needs. They carry hand and battery guns suitable for garage bays, along with couplers and adapter kits. Their focus on vehicle maintenance makes them a great option for garages and dedicated enthusiasts.

Machine Mart / Cromwell Tools

Machine Mart and similar specialist tool suppliers stock heavy-duty lever guns and professional battery models that are built for workshops. Expect durable construction, higher pressure ratings, and trade-level warranties. These shops are where pro mechanics and engineers find tools they can rely on every day.

Wickes and B&Q

For the occasional DIYer, Wickes and B&Q offer approachable, budget-friendly options. Their lines focus on usability and value: pistol-grip and hand-pump guns for small jobs around the home. They’re handy if you need a basic unit to grease garden machinery or household equipment without paying for pro features you won’t use.

Popular grease gun brands to watch

Brands like Sealey, Draper, Clarke, Stanley, and Milwaukee often appear across UK stores. Sealey and Draper cover trade-friendly mid-range models, Clarke tends to offer budget options, while Milwaukee leads on battery tech with higher cost and performance. Choosing a familiar brand usually gives better parts availability in case you need a replacement hose or coupler.

How to load and use a grease gun — short practical guide

Loading a cartridge is easier than you think. Pull back the plunger, unscrew the head, insert the cartridge in the gun with the open end facing the head, remove the seal, reassemble, and push the plunger forward to engage. If you’re using bulk grease, use the suction or filler method your gun supports. Always purge air from the line — pump until grease flows steadily through the coupler to prevent dry shots or inconsistent pressure.

Maintenance tips to keep your grease gun working

Clean the coupler and nozzle after each job to avoid contamination. Store cartridges in a dry place and protect battery guns from extreme cold. Lubricate moving parts on lever guns with a light oil every so often, and check seals for wear. Treat the gun like any precision tool: a few minutes of basic upkeep extends its life considerably.

Matching grease type to the job

Grease comes in various NLGI grades and base types (lithium, calcium, synthetic). For general-purpose automotive and farm use, a lithium-based grease with a mid-range grade usually works well. For high-temperature or marine applications, choose a specialized synthetic or marine-grade product. When in doubt, consult the equipment manual — it’ll often specify grease type in pounds or ounces per recommended interval.

Battery vs manual: which should you pick?

Pick a battery model if you’re greasing many points regularly — it saves time and reduces hand fatigue. Manual lever guns are better when you need extra force for tight fittings and when battery charging isn’t convenient. If you’re on a tight budget or only do occasional maintenance, a pistol or hand-pump model will be more than adequate.

How to get the best value — buying smart

Compare features, not just price. A cheaper gun might cost more in the long run if couplers fail or seals leak. Look for a solid warranty, a durable hose in inches that reaches the spots you need, and compatibility with standard 14 oz cartridges. If you’ll use it daily, pay a little more for a model with a replaceable battery or a proven brand name — you’ll thank yourself later.

Accessories worth investing in

Buy a spare coupler or two, a longer flexible hose in inches, and a few replacement seals. A small kit with a flexible extension and rigid extension gives you the reach of a lever gun with the precision of a pistol grip. Having a grease nipple cleaner and a cartridge of high-quality grease in ounces on hand saves time and reduces cross-contamination.

Where to find deals and save money

Keep an eye on seasonal sales, trade accounts, and clearance sections at major UK stores. Buying a well-reviewed battery gun during a sale can be the best long-term investment. Also consider bundle deals where guns come with spare hoses or couplers — that can lower the effective cost per job.

Safety and best practices

Always wear eye protection when greasing, as pressure can sometimes force grease out unexpectedly. Don’t exceed recommended pressures for your fittings, and avoid using a gun with a damaged coupler or hose. Follow battery safety rules for rechargeable models: charge on a stable surface and avoid extreme temperatures to prolong battery life.

Final thoughts before you click buy

Choosing the right grease gun is about matching the tool to the task. Think about how often you’ll use it, the grease type and cartridge size in ounces, and whether you need the muscle of a lever gun or the speed of a battery-powered one. Use the retailer strengths above as a guide: Screwfix and Toolstation for broad trade ranges, RS and Machine Mart for pro-grade gear, Halfords and Euro Car Parts for automotive needs, and Amazon for variety. With the right choice, routine maintenance becomes quicker, cleaner, and far less of a chore.

Conclusion: Investing in a quality grease gun pays back in less downtime, better machine life, and fewer fiddly maintenance sessions. Whether you go manual or battery-powered, pick a reliable store, check specifications carefully in ounces and inches, and keep a couple of accessories handy. Your machinery will thank you.